Kalou hails Ancelotti calm

The Blues are under pressure after losing three of their last four Premier League games - to Liverpool, Birmingham and Sunderland - but got back to winning ways with a midweek defeat of MSK Zilina in the Champions League, and Kalou feels Ancelotti's ongoing faith in Chelsea's ability to succeed will help the team come good.

"He is very important, he doesn't put pressure on the players," the Ivorian told the club's official website ahead of Sunday's visit to Newcastle. "Even without winning we are still training the same way and doing the same things. He has that calm and brings it to the team, making us play to our full potential."

He added: "When you play for Chelsea and the team is under pressure, you don't want the whole team to be scared because it's difficult to perform. He (Ancelotti) has that belief that everything is going to be good if we work hard and continue to train the way we do.

"It worked in the past, last year we had a difficult time too but we didn't change anything. He brings that self-belief and it helps to keep the pressure off the team."

Kalou also confronted rumours which circulated last week that Ancelotti was on the verge of quitting Chelsea following the dismissal of his assistant Ray Wilkins and the subsequent defeats.

He wrote it off as hot air, suggesting the players were never concerned for his future.

"We never doubted it. It is not because you lose two games that the manager should be under pressure," the 25-year-old added.

"It is a real joy working with him and we believe we'll have a great season. We just focus on the games and try to win. Last year we won two trophies and this year we're still in three."

"We are still first in the Premier League and Champions League but you won't win every game so the most important thing is to focus on the next game and try to win it. Newcastle away is tough but we have the confidence back and know we can win the game."